The Heron and the Dove

"The Heron and the Dove" was composed by Irish flute and penny whistle player, Grey Larsen. Accompanied by Cindy Kallet on guitar, Grey and Cindy capture the two personalities of the heron and the dove. The art was created by Haran Kim.

This is a composition for tin whistle in low G and guitar. The whistle part uses traditional Irish ornamentation, inflection and phrasing. The fingerpicked guitar accompaniment provides chordal harmony and counterpoint.

The piece is reminiscent of the music of the Irish harp tradition of the 17th and early 18th centuries, in particular the music of Turlough O Carolan (1670 - 1738), in which Irish traditional stylings are interwoven with Baroque melodic sensibilities.


Grey Larsen

Bloomington Irish flute and penny whistler

Cindy Kallet

Bloomington folk guitarist

Haran Kim

Visual and Media Artist

  • Heron and Dove movement: Children can explore moving like the tall, stately herons for the A section and then like the cooing mourning doves for the B section.
  • Turn taking: Children can choose to play the part of the heron or the dove, only moving when they hear their section of the piece.
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Interactive Resources:

Teaching Form: The piece begins with a slow introduction, and subsequently uses a binary form (A part and B part). After the introduction, the form is AB ABB. The final B part is extended with a brief coda.

  • Circle Dance: Children come to the center for the introduction. Once A section (Heron) starts, children promenade in a circle in a stately manner. When they hear the B section (dove), they travel freely around the room, returning back to the circle in time for the A section's return.


Irish Instruments

Grey's whistle is a "Low G" penny whistle and was made of brass by Michael Copeland in the 1980s. Listen to Grey talk about his penny whistle.

Cindy's guitar was made by Michael Gurian around 1970. Listen to Cindy talk about playing her guitar.

Additional Resources: Grey's Publications

  • The Essential Guide to Irish Flute and Tin Whistle
  • The Essential Tin Whistle Toolbox
  • 300 Gems of Irish Music for All Instruments
  • Down the Back Lane, Variation in Traditional Irish Dance Music
  • 150 Gems of Irish Music for Flute
  • 150 Gems of Irish Music for Tin Whistle
  • The Toolbox Tune Collection